Feedback: Don't just up speed limit, make these other fixes first

A proposal making its way through the Legislature would increase the speed limit on some of the state's freeways.

When the interstate highway system was started in the 1950s, speed limits were established based upon perceived driver ability and the safety capabilities of vehicles of that era. Since then, vehicle safety and capability have increased exponentially as a result of engineering and design. What has not changed, however, are the drivers.

The Michigan Legislature, with the State Police's backing, are considering raising speed limits. To be sure, today's cars can be driven safely at the recommended higher speeds. However, the Legislature must mandate other changes to the law before the speed limits are raised:

■ The minimum speed limit must be raised. Vehicles driven 35-40 m.p.h. slower are as great a hazard as vehicles being driven too fast.

■ Distracted driving must be eliminated. Automatically, a cell phone's texting/tweeting, etc. capabilities must be disabled when it recognizes the vehicle is in motion. Cell phones can only be used hands-free.

■ Artificially lowered speed limits must not be allowed as revenue-generators for local governments. Speed limits should be lowered only in construction zones, or where there is a likelihood for congestion at major interchanges, or downtown areas of major cities with many on/off ramps.

Ron Ustruck

Davisburg

It's not all doom and gloom for Detroit

Charles Dickens wrote a classic novel titled "A Tale Of Two Cities," and that's what Detroit is today. "The worst of times" is the financial quagmire Detroit finds itself in, with an emergency manager handling the city's finances, and facing the impending doom of a Chapter 9 bankruptcy with the serious possibility, God forbid, of city retirees and those eligible for retirement taking a big hit on their pension.

"The best of times" includes the recent approval of a new Red Wings arena with retail space and housing included in the plan, the opening of Whole Foods in Midtown. There's also the recent opening of a Meijer store at Woodward and 8 Mile Road and the development of another Meijer on the old Redford High School site. When Detroit enters bankruptcy and has a successful exit, Detroit's going to be all right. No, bankruptcy should not stop dreams for a better Detroit.

Thomas A. Wilson Jr.

Detroit

How can politicians live with themselves?

How can Wayne County look taxpayers in the eye and ever ask for a single penny more? Not to mention what City of Detroit retirees are faced with. Shameful, arrogant, unethical behavior.

Jim Leddy

Canton

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Feedback: Don't just up speed limit, make these other fixes first

When the interstate highway system was started in the 1950s, speed limits were established based upon perceived driver ability and the safety capabilities of vehicles of that era.